Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
November 19, 1863
by Abraham Lincoln

“Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate — we can not consecrate — we can not hallow — this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us — that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

Despite liberals protesting the military, loathing U.S. foreign policy, and decrying the thousands of lives lost by American troops and “innocent Iraqis,” the United States military has never been stronger and more efficient at saving lives and minimizing casualties. (Hattip: Defense spending and advanced military technologies)

“In a democratic world, there are violations of human rights, but they are revealed and dealt with. In a fear society [e.g. run by dictators like Saddam, Stalin, and Hitler], there are no violations of human rights because human rights just don’t exist.” — Natan Sharansky, Time Magazine, June 6, 2005

God Bless America!

The Cost of Freedom: Casualties of War
A Historical Perspective
(U.S. Total Dead)

As of May 25, 2005
Iraq War
(1,656 Americans)

1,836 coalition troop deaths
At least 12,630 U.S. troops have been wounded in action, according to the Pentagon.

Afghanistan: Operation Enduring Freedom
(184 Americans)

221 coalition deaths

Wikipedia notes: “[I]t has been the least bloody war in modern Afghan history. For example, about 1.8 million people were killed during the Afghan Civil war and subsequent Soviet Invasion.”

Vietnam War
(58,167 Americans)

South Vietnam/United States
Total dead: 287,232
Wounded: 1,496,037

North Vietnam/Viet Cong
Total dead:Conservative estimates: 200,000 to 300,000
Wounded: 600,000
Civilian Casualties: c. 2—4 million

Korean War
(54,000 Americans)

500,000+ South Koreans
1,500,000 Chinese and North Koreans

World War II
(407,000 Americans)

TOTAL Allied soldiers killed: approximately 16.2 million
TOTAL Axis soldiers killed: approximately 6,800,000
TOTAL soldiers killed (all): approximately 23 million
TOTAL Civilians killed: up to 57 million

TOTAL people killed in World War II: up to 80 million

World War I
(126,000 Americans)

Total Allied soldiers killed: approximately 5.17 million
TOTAL soldiers killed worldwide: approximately 8.6 million
TOTAL civilians killed: approximately 56.5 million

TOTAL people killed in World War I: up to 66 million

American Civil War
(558, 052 Americans)

American Revolutionary War
(c. 25, 000 Americans)

CNN provides a graph of the U.S. War Casualties (1775-Present)

(Click on graphic to enlarge)

Emily Dieruf from Lexington, Kentucky reacts after finding her husband’s dog tag at Camp Pendleton, California May 26, 2005.

(Photo Credit: REUTERS/Mike Blake; Hattip: El Capitan)

More than 5,800 Californians dead or missing in the Vietnam War were honored Sunday as their names were recited during the annual “Reading of the Names” from the wall at the California Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Capitol Park. Scheduled ceremonies included prayers, songs and a tribute to service members killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Veterans Gerard Fields, left, of Citrus Heights, and George Espinosa of Sacramento meet for the first time at the ceremony. Both were members of the Army’s Americal Division in Vietnam.

(Credit: Sacramento Bee photos/Andy Alfaro)

Founder’s Quote: “I am well aware of the
toil and blood and treasure that it will cost
to maintain this Declaration,
and support and defend these States.
Yet through all the gloom I can see
the rays of ravishing light and glory. I can see that
the end is worth more than all the means….”
–John Adams

An important notice from The Federalist Patriot:

“Monday is Memorial Day, set aside to honor millions of fallen Patriots — generations of American Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coastguardsmen, who served their country with honor from 1776 to this day.

Please honor those uniformed Patriots who stood and fell by their oath in defense of our Constitution.

You can recognize fallen veterans and their families by joining with other Patriots placing flags at your nearest National Cemetery (generally done on Saturday before Memorial Day). Remember to pause at 1500 (your local time) on Memorial Day, and offer remembrance and prayer for these great Patriots.

Additionally, please show your support for our troops standing in harm’s way today by signing “An Open Letter in Support of America’s Armed Forces” at:

The Website: http://PatriotPetitions.US/USMIL

On behalf of our staff and National Advisory Committee, thank you.

Semper Vigilo, Paratus, et Fidelis!
Mark Alexander
Executive Editor, The Federalist Patriot

RELATED: Malkin has more about “Honoring The Troops“

AFP reports: “Tens of thousands of motorcycle-riders from across the United States, including many Vietnam veterans, converged on Washington for the annual ‘Rolling Thunder’ commemoration.

The event is one of the most visible — and audible — tributes to US veterans and service members during the Memorial Day holiday weekend.”

Ride on, America.

Sac Bee reports: “In a typical year, California’s population increases by more than a half-million, the state’s employers create a quarter-million jobs, and developers build about 200,000 new housing units.”

“Growth of that immensity - year after year - creates equally immense demands for water, transportation, education, retail business, recreation and myriad other private and public services and facilities.

Coping with those demands is, albeit largely unacknowledged, the major issue facing political decision-makers at all levels.”

The significant inflow of illegal aliens into California and across the U.S. has become recent headline news. However, besides the social and economic consequences, it appears there are other serious ramifications to consider. Environmentalists, take note.

Not just California. The future of America is at stake.

UPDATE: Sac Bee also reports: “New federal funds to help California hospitals cover the costs of treating illegal immigrants have many in the state’s medical industry puzzling over how to ask patients about citizenship without making them afraid to seek care.”

“Earlier this month, federal health officials announced plans to spend $1 billion nationwide over the next four years on emergency care for undocumented patients. California will get more than any other state - $71 million in fiscal 2005 - in the first federal effort to cover costs for patients who are not U.S. citizens.

To receive the money, hospitals must ask patients a series of questions designed to determine whether they are in the country illegally. Among other things, patients would be asked if they have a foreign birth certificate or driver’s license, a border-crossing card from Mexico or a U.S. Social Security number.”

What the heck is wrong with our federal government? Officials are downplaying if not outright criticizing the (very successful) efforts of The Minutemen Project, while failing themselves to legislate and provide for greation protection of our borders.

It’s obvious that spending more taxpayer dollars to offer free medical care for undocumented patients isn’t going to curb the flow of illegal immigrants. Maybe the government should be given less of our money to spend.

RELATED:

Immigration: Is The Pot Still Melting?
Health Care for Illegal Immigrants

S.F. Chronicle reports: “San Francisco plays host this week to mayors from around the globe who will be attending a United Nations conference dedicated to adopting sound environmental practices for urban centers — where the majority of the world’s population lives.”

“Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is expected in town Wednesday to announce proposed targets reaching to 2050 for reducing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in California. Former Vice President Al Gore will discuss global warming as the keynote speaker at the delegates’ closing dinner.”

Can hardly wait.

AP reports: “Thousands of South Korean students rallying Sunday against the U.S. military’s five-decade presence clashed with police after trying to enter the American base, and at least 12 people were injured and more than 20 were arrested.”

Why is it always students? Not enough homework.

On the eve of Memorial Day, perhaps the U.S. should evaluate the situation. We’re sure North Korea would love to step in, and pick up any slack. After that, no more student protests, that much would be certain.